In the primitive brain, the organism is ruled by its emotions. Its is reactionary instead of decisive. It is with the development of the frontal lobe we begin to see a responsible way of reacting to the world as opposed to merely automatic or thoughtless reactions.

We are by nature a responsible species, and it is because of our need to be responsible we discourage merely reactionary responses.

It is the combination of our emotive brain with our rationality that creates a sense of right and wrong. A purely emotional being would live, strictly, by the mantra, "If it feels good, do it," with no concern for lasting consequences. A purely rational being, not unlike a computer, would be animated by logical algorithms with no sense of moral discernment, purely possessed by blind functionality.

Morality is, therefore, the product of complexity, an evolutionary advantage over the primitive brain. It not merely society's invention to control the masses but an innate need to control oneself.

At 3/14/2015 12:24:50 PM, s-anthony wrote:In the primitive brain, the organism is ruled by its emotions. Its is reactionary instead of decisive. It is with the development of the frontal lobe we begin to see a responsible way of reacting to the world as opposed to merely automatic or thoughtless reactions.

We are by nature a responsible species, and it is because of our need to be responsible we discourage merely reactionary responses.

It is the combination of our emotive brain with our rationality that creates a sense of right and wrong. A purely emotional being would live, strictly, by the mantra, "If it feels good, do it," with no concern for lasting consequences. A purely rational being, not unlike a computer, would be animated by logical algorithms with no sense of moral discernment, purely possessed by blind functionality.

Morality is, therefore, the product of complexity, an evolutionary advantage over the primitive brain. It not merely society's invention to control the masses but an innate need to control oneself.

Morality is just based on what makes you go "Ew" or what makes you go "Awesome!". It's not that complex and is purely personal preference. When that morality is backed up by authority, it becomes a control mechanism.

Morality is just based on what makes you go "Ew" or what makes you go "Awesome!". It's not that complex and is purely personal preference. When that morality is backed up by authority, it becomes a control mechanism.

I believe morality is more than just a feeling. I believe it's an emotion defined by reason. Anything, including a reptile, may be attracted to or repulsed by various stimuli; but, I find it very difficult to conclude a reptile has a sense of right and wrong. In fact, the reptilian brain is ruled by the amygdalae, the emotional and reactionary centers of the brain. The mammalian brain is more advance; it has, in addition to the amygdalae, the frontal lobe, the seat of reason. Where the reptile is merely reactionary, the mammal is responsive.

Morality is both defined by the individual and by society. We are both in control of ourselves and controlled by the society in which we live.